How Is Best Buy At Installing Car Stereos?

[HiTek21]

I'm debating weather to get a new Mp3/CD Headunit for my car. I don't really know much about the Acura Legend's wiring and all plus I don't have a lot of free time to install it either. I was just thinking about taking it to best buy and have them install it for me because they have free installation. I've never dealt with best buy and car audio before. Anyone have any comments about their service?

 

[SweetSweetLeroyBrown]

depends on the particular BB...a few may employ good installers...the majority don't because the low wages deter the better installers...

but installing a head unit in a recent japanese car IS VERY SIMPLE. So if you do not want to do it, let BB do it.

I do not know how BB can mess up such a simple install. So let BB do it.

 

[MustISO]

I think I'm going to do my own install or at least attempt it. I'm thinking of buying from Crutchfield so that I can get all the proper wiring and filler plate that I need. I think the hardest part will be removing the OEM deck. Where can I find instructions on doing this on a late 90's Honda Accord?

 

[Vette73]

Its not that hard to do. Get the wiring harness and the dash kit, if needed. And follow the instructions.

I would NEVER let BestBuy touch my car.

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Its not that hard to do. Get the wiring harness and the dash kit, if needed. And follow the instructions.

I would NEVER let BestBuy touch my car.

Sorry to disagree, but a pro will always do a better job.

To the OP, your car most likely will not qualify for the free install. Most Acura's have some type of factory amp in them that requires a rewire. Shop around for prices on install. Sometimes a mom and pop shop will give you a deal on the install if you are buying the equipment from them.

 

[nightowl]

Here is a good site that has install docs for a good number of recent cars.

 

[Vette73]

Yea I would also trust a pro also, but they are NOT at bestbuys

 

[Danman]

I let them install an Pioneer head unit in my car about 2 years ago. IMO, the guy was great. He was done in less than an hour, and gave me all of the old parts with my old deck. Never had a problem with it.

 

[Titan]

I just had mine done, and the guy was very professional. They look at the car, come up with an estimate on the cost based on custom stuff. My volvo was a PITA to work on which is why I had the guy do it, and it works just fine now. My only complaint is the team of installers didn't co-ordinate enough and told me it would take 3-4 hours when it took 5+, I had to spend a lot of time at the mall that night.

 

[styrafoam]

There was just a thread on this last week, the main point to come out of it was this: Best Buy will claim free install and then charge you $30 each for $2 adapter plates and harnesses. If you order from an online vendor like crutchfield or sounddomain they include both items with your purchase. If wiring is what is scaring you from attempting it take a look at the link posted a few posts up, the adapter harness will let you use wire nuts and is color coded to keep everything simple. Most times you can splice the harness to your new stereo before you even go outside to change out the deck, then its just a matter of unplugging the old one and plugging in the new harness to your car. Looking at the Install Dr. page for the legend looks like it would take about half an hour and the only tools you will need are 2 screwdrivers.

 

[MustISO]

nightowl, thanks for that site. The only weird thing is that the 1998 pic doesn't match my car but the 1999 does. Oh well, I'll print out both just in case.

 

[MazerRackham]

Originally posted by: MustISO
I think I'm going to do my own install or at least attempt it. I'm thinking of buying from Crutchfield so that I can get all the proper wiring and filler plate that I need. I think the hardest part will be removing the OEM deck. Where can I find instructions on doing this on a late 90's Honda Accord?

If you buy from Crutchfield they'll send you a printout of installation instructions for your vehicle. I have installed my own stereos now 3 times in two different cars without any major problems using Crutchfield parts/instructions..

 

[Adul]

they suck.

at least in my esperience. I prefer to do my own installs and it isnt to hard to do.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: SweetSweetLeroyBrown
depends on the particular BB...a few may employ good installers...the majority don't because the low wages deter the better installers...

but installing a head unit in a recent japanese car IS VERY SIMPLE. So if you do not want to do it, let BB do it.

I do not know how BB can mess up such a simple install. So let BB do it.

Hit it right on the head. Talk to others that have used a certain store and/or a certain installer and had good luck. I used to work at BB long ago and some of the installers were really awesome and some just plain sucked.

 

[Saulbadguy]

Heh. I like how everyone just says "install it yourself". Especially when he says he lacks the time to do it. How constructive.

I'd say, take it to a local audio shop. If you don't have one, take a gamble and let Best Buy handle it. Just inspect the car before and after the job is done.

 

[HiTek21]

I've been doing some reading about removing the factory unit on the Legend Forums and it looks pretty easy, the model legend I have does not have a factory amp so they say its pretty easy to install a new system. I was looking for the model radio I wanted to get for my car but Crutchfield stopped selling it. I don't know if Pioneer is going release a similar model either. I was looking at the Pioneer DEH-8500Mp deck. Best Buy still carries them so I might as well go for it there, they do carry some kind of warranty (at least 30 days) if their Installation has a problem they will fix it right?